Whole Foods Market supplier United Natural Foods has said it is disappointed not to have reached a deal with the Teamsters trade union in the two groups’ latest talks.
Teamsters-affiliated workers remain on strike at the United Natural Foods (UNFI) site in Auburn, Washington State. The dispute began over alleged abuse of labour rules and has expanded into accusations that the organic food supplier acted illegally by employing permancent replacements for striking workers.
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Despite the potential detrimental effects on UNFI business, and on striking workers’ income, no solution has been found after several rounds of talks.
Following the latest negotiations, UNFI said this week that the union rejected “a reasonable, good-faith offer” from the company.
“UNFI will continue to stay focused on executing our mission of meeting the needs of our customers in the Seattle marketplace,” said UNFI group president, Sean Griffin.
Earlier this month, local UNFI customer PCC Natural Markets wrote to the company urging it to find a solution to the dispute, and warning that it would seek out alternative suppliers.
